52% Cut In Research Funding For Irish Third Level Since 2016

Just €14.4 million has been allocated in Budget 2018 compared to allocations of €30.4 million and €14.4 million in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Ireland’s future economic prosperity is being put at risk by the apparent failure of the Government to adequately resource third level funding schemes, claims Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Niall Collins TD.

“Like 2017, the funding for the current year is woefully short of what was previously allocated to 3rd level institutions under the Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI) which was established by Fianna Fail in 1998," he tells us.

“The refrain from Government is that they are investing in a modern and dynamic economy yet the evidence just doesn’t stack up.

“Funding is being cut for the very same 3rd level institutions that are supposed to be on the cutting edge and frontline of Ireland’s research endeavours.

“The last Fianna Fáil government committed to a €57.9 million budget for the PRTLI in 2011 despite the constraints on public expenditure at the time.

“This was done in the knowledge and belief that investing in Ireland’s education system would lead to spin off industries and jobs in the future."

He adds: “Fine Gael has clearly decided that this is no longer a priority, and has cut the funding. This is one of the main reasons, I believe, why Irish universities are progressively falling in world rankings.

“FG’s decision to move from a five year funding model to yearly funding has severely reduced the ability of 3rd level researchers plan for the future, and entire would-be researchers to locate in Ireland.

“Minister Humphreys is new to this Department. She needs to call a halt to the underfunding of 3rd level research, and seek additional funds for our universities and colleges."

He concludes: “If the Government decides to give up funding research in our higher education system, we seriously risk cutting off the supply of top quality researchers and spin off industries that must become the bed rock of our future economic prosperity."